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What research says about marijuana and cancer

Attitudes about marijuana are changing. Such changes are reflected in legislation that has legalized marijuana in many areas and, in some instances, unofficially decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in other places.

Shifting attitudes about marijuana, also known as cannabis, may be attributed to various factors, including medical research. Though research studying the effects of marijuana on recovering cancer patients is ongoing, cancer patients and their families may be curious about the potential for cannabis to assist in their recoveries.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana is a plant that originated in central Asia but is now grown in many parts of the world. According to the National Cancer Institute, the cannabis plant produces a resin that contains compounds known as “cannabinoids,” which are active chemicals that, when ingested, affect various parts of the human body, including the central nervous system and the immune system.